[Russell Sage Foundation](https://www.russellsage.org)

March 11, 2025 (LOI) | October 29, 2025 (LOI) | July 15, 2026 (LOI)

Typical awards range from $40,000 to $200,000 for up to 2 years.

Supports interdisciplinary research on decision-making processes and behaviors in social, economic, and political contexts.

BSDMC is not accepting applications for the March 2026 cycle; next LOI deadline is July 15, 2026.

--- ## Description The Russell Sage Foundation’s Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context program funds innovative, interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of how economic, social, political, and psychological decision-making processes, attitudes, behaviors, and institutional practices operate in public and private settings. The program encourages proposals from economics, psychology, political science, sociology, law, public policy, and related fields. Priority areas include biases and misperceptions, institutional and network influences, motivations and incentives, habits and behavior change, and the role of emotions in shaping attitudes and behaviors. Research should address issues relevant to the U.S., including policing, criminal justice, employment, housing, politics, racial and ethnic relations, and immigration. --- ## Due Dates - March 11, 2025 (Letter of Inquiry, BSDMC) - October 29, 2025 (Letter of Inquiry, BSDMC) - July 15, 2026 (Letter of Inquiry, BSDMC) **Note:** The BSDMC program is not accepting applications for the March 2026 cycle. The next anticipated LOI deadline is July 15, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from **$40,000 to $200,000** for projects up to 2 years in duration. - Award sizes may vary depending on project scope and complexity. - Recent grants in this program have ranged from approximately $40,000 to nearly $200,000. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must propose social science research relevant to improving social and living conditions in the United States. - Proposals must be interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as economics, psychology, sociology, political science, public policy, and law. - RSF does **not** fund research focused primarily on health/mental health outcomes or health behaviors, nor studies using exclusively non-U.S. data unless part of a comparative project focused on U.S. conditions. - Educational process or curricular studies are seldom supported unless addressing inequities in student achievement or attainment. - Limited consideration is given to projects that test well-established behavioral effects without deeper examination of context or mechanisms. --- ## Application Process - Submit a **Letter of Inquiry (LOI)** by the posted deadline via the [RSF application portal](https://rsf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). - Approximately 15% of LOIs are invited to submit a full proposal after peer review. - Review [application requirements and guidelines](https://www.russellsage.org/apply). - Deadlines are strict: all applications must be received by **2pm ET/11am PT** on the due date. - Review the [program’s RFP](https://www.russellsage.org/research/priorities/behavioral-science-decision-making-context/rfp-bsdmc) and [grant writing tips](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/core/tips) before applying. --- ## Additional Information - The program prioritizes research with potential to inform U.S. social policy or practice. - Proposals should clearly articulate data sources, research design, and relevance to the foundation’s mission. - Review examples of successful applications [here](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/core-research-grants/loi-proposal-tips). - For FAQs and further guidance, visit the [RSF grants FAQ](https://www.russellsage.org/grants/faq). --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.russellsage.org/research/priorities/behavioral-science-decision-making-context) - [Full RFP](https://www.russellsage.org/research/priorities/behavioral-science-decision-making-context/rfp-bsdmc) - [Application Portal](https://rsf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Application Deadlines](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/application-deadlines) - [Grant Writing Tips](https://www.russellsage.org/apply/grants/core/tips) - [Recent Grants](https://www.russellsage.org/grants/search) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@rsage.org](mailto:info@rsage.org) | | Phone | +1 212-750-6000 | | Contact Form | [Contact RSF](https://www.russellsage.org/about/contact) | ---

Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context

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